How to Care for Waist-Length Hair

There’s no denying that waist-length hair is absolutely gorgeous. There’s just something about long hairstyles that can make you feel like a character straight out of a fairytale. Of course, getting to such a long length is easier said than done. If you’re familiar with different hair lengths, you know that waist-length natural hair is one of the most difficult to achieve. That said, it all comes down to how you care for your long strands. Below, we’re sharing how to grow waist-length hair and our top hair care tips for keeping your strands looking healthy—not straggly.

HOW LONG IS WAIST-LENGTH HAIR?

Before we talk about how to get waist-length hair, you may be curious as to how long waist-length hair is—and how to measure it. Well, in case it wasn’t obvious, waist-length hair is when your ends reach your waistline. This typically refers to a woman’s natural waist, not their hips, which is where the waist of your favorite pants might sit. How long a waist-length mane will be can vary from person to person based on height and hair texture. The proper way to measure it is by straightening the hair, as this will allow you to see the full length without shrinkage affecting your measurement (more on that later).

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GROW WAIST-LENGTH HAIR?

How long it takes to grow out your hair until it’s down to your waist is dependent on how you care for your hair as well as your hair type. The Cleveland Clinic states that, on average, hair grows anywhere from four to six inches a year. This means at its fastest rate, your hair will likely grow about half an inch per month. Your current starting point is also something to consider.

If you’re searching for how to grow 4C hair to waist length—or get waist-length curly hair in general—it’s important to know that curly strands experience shrinkage when they dry. This means that even if you have waist-length natural hair, it may not appear this way until you stretch your hair.

HOW TO GET WAIST-LENGTH HAIR

There are no magic tricks that will get you waist-length hair fast—besides wearing hair extensions. If you want to grow out your strands, the best thing you can do is curate a nourishing hair care routine that addresses your hair concerns.

Of course, you may have heard about certain ingredients and products that can help with hair growth—including essentials for growing waist-length curly hair—and we’ve heard about them, too. Here’s what you need to know, courtesy of our articles on different ingredients purported to have hair growth benefits.

Peppermint oil: Peppermint Oil for Hair: Here’s What You Need to Know

Collagen: The Facts About Collagen for Hair

Castor Oil: Does Castor Oil for Hair Growth Work?

Rice Water: Is Rice Water a Hair Growth Miracle?

Biotin: What Are the Benefits of Biotin?

WHY YOUR HAIR WON’T GROW OUT PAST A CERTAIN LENGTH

Waist-length hair can be healthy, but if you’re having trouble with your hair not growing past a certain length, it’s probably because your hair is damaged. This can be due to a multitude of reasons, from excessive heat styling to bleach to the need for a haircut. If this is the case, head to your stylist and get that overdue trim ASAP.

HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY WAIST-LENGTH HAIR? 

Finally have waist-length hair? Congrats! If you’re left asking yourself how to take care of it, you’ve come to the right place. Keep the following in mind to build your long hair care routine.

TIP #1. SKIP THE HEAT

When possible, it’s a good idea to steer clear of heat styling. Sure, perfectly straight strands and curls from a curling iron are gorgeous, but there are plenty of beautiful heat-free styling alternatives that will give your waist-length hair a break. Try applying the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse to damp strands, scrunch, and let your hair air dry to show off your natural texture. If you do plan to style your hair with hot tools, make sure to spritz on a heat protectant beforehand.

TIP #2. SWITCH YOUR HAIR CARE SYSTEM

Your extra-long length calls for a change in shampoo and conditioner. Swap your usual go-to for the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Restoring Shampoo for Long, Damaged Hair and L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Conditioner for Long, Damaged Hair. The duo works to add shine, protect length, strengthen hair, and instantly detangle to reduce hair breakage.

TIP #3. USE A SPLIT END TREATMENT

While we’re talking about the Dream Lengths line, it’s a good idea to add a split end treatment to your routine as well. Enter the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths No Haircut Cream Leave In Conditioner. The treatment helps seal split ends so you can save that last inch. It also prevents heat damage from styling because it offers up to 450-degree heat protection.

TIP #4. GET REGULAR TRIMS

If you didn’t already know, getting haircuts regularly is super important for your hair’s health! How often should you get your hair cut? To maintain your current cut and keep your strands long, aim to head to the salon for a trim every two to three months.

TIP #5. KEEP IT NATURAL

Aside from embracing your hair’s natural texture, it’s also a good idea to avoid over-processing your hair. This doesn’t mean you have to avoid salon treatments like a new hair color or a perm, but make sure not to overdo it, as this can result in breakage, which can take a toll on your waist-length hair.

Once you have hair care down, you need to find the right hairstyles. Here are 30 Pretty Hairstyles and Haircuts for Long Hair.